Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

We double-checked the forecast—no blizzards in sight, just a 100% chance of good vibes, great conversations, and plenty of laughs at New London Real Estate! All are welcome. Admission is $2 and a business card. See you there!

Here's what you can expect:

4:30PM Networking, appetizers, and beverages

5:20PM Introductions

5:30PM New London Real Estate interview

5:50PM Drawing for door prizes (must be present to win!)

The Willmar High School gym buzzed with energy last Thursday as 1,250 students from schools across Kandiyohi County explored career opportunities with more than 40 employers. Special thank you to our partners: Business Education Network, Willmar Public Schools, Kandiyohi County Economic Development, Ridgewater College, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc., and Southwest Initiative Foundation for helping make this event a success. To encourage interaction, students received bingo cards to engage with employers from a wide range of industries. Those who completed their cards were entered into a drawing for gift cards. A big thank you to Walt’s for generously donating the prizes, and to Jennie-O for donating snacks to keep the vendors fueled.

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber at MinnWest Technology Campus on Friday, May 2nd 7:30-8:30am! You'll have the opportunity to enjoy networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. Don't forget to bring your business card for a chance at door prizes! Click here to view the Connection Calendar.

Congratulations and thank you to Kyle Grimm, Michelle Goltz, and Kayla Reiffenberger of Co-op Credit Union on 20 years of membership! Dedicated to providing financial services that support member success, the Willmar branch is proud to be part of a network of four locations across Minnesota — including Montevideo, Benson, and Canby — marking 85 years of service. Originally located inside Cub Foods, the Willmar branch relocated in 2019 to a new building at one of the busiest intersections in town, continuing its legacy of growth and community commitment.

Pictured representing the Chamber: Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), and Chamber President and CEO James Miller.

Congratulations to Dean and Laura Anfinson and Justin Godbee of Code 4 Guns and Gifts on their First Dollar! Code 4 is your one-stop silencer shop located in Spicer, offering barrel threading, Form 4, trusts, and background checks. They also sell new, used, and consigned firearms, and offer conceal and carry classes. The charming gift shop features locally sourced Spicer, Green Lake, and Minnesota-themed items perfect for locals and visitors alike! You’ll recognize owners Dean and Laura as the managers of Green Lake County Park. Dean’s long-time dream of owning a gun shop has become a reality, now perfectly paired with Laura’s flair for curating unique gifts. Code 4 truly has something for everyone!

 Pictured representing the Chamber: Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), Julie Anderson (Kensington Insurance Agency/ Nesbit Agencies), Kim Richardson (Fenstra Insurance), Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), Doug Kuehnast, Chamber President and CEO James Miller, and Micah Larson (Intuition Brewing).

More than 300 fifth-grade students will be touring Louriston and CoJo Dairy Farms during the first week of May. The Chamber’s Agri-Business Committee is looking for volunteers to serve as chaperones for this exciting educational experience.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors, whose support has made it possible to cover transportation costs—ensuring students have the opportunity to connect with farm life up close!

NeXt and Central Lakes United came together last week to focus on building healthier lives through a discussion on boundaries, stress, and burnout. Everyone recharged with a good meal and went home with bath bombs and better balance.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by members of the KCEO class. They talked about their upcoming Trade Show on May 9th 7:30-9:30am at MinnWest Technology Campus.

Hiring? Make sure to log in to ChamberMaster to post your positions on the Chamber Job Board. Job postings are shared in the weekly e-newsletter that reaches over 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website, and occasionally on social media. This is a complimentary service offered exclusively to Chamber members.

• Bernick's Pepsi - CDL Route Driver - $5,000 Sign-on Bonus

• CentraCare - EMT, Paramedic

• Dooley's Petroleum - Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Fuel Transport Driver, Field Service Technician

• Employment Plus - HVAC Technician, MIG Welder/ Manufacturing Laborer, Rental Property Maintenance/Carpenter, Accounts Payable Distribution Specialist

• Green Lake Lutheran Ministries - Food Service Manager/Head Chef, Seasonal Food Service Assistant/Sous Chef

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Diesel Technician, Professional Truck Driver, Assistant Controller, Parts Counter Professional, Tire Specialist

• Haug Kubota - Service Technician

• Heritage Exteriors - Sales Representative

• Insurance by Strehlow - Insurance Agent

• Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Inventory Specialist

• Minnesota Department of Human Services - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Planner (Transportation)

• Northern Radiator - Purchasing Manager, IT Internship, Warehouse Associate

• Ridgewater College - Automative Services Technology Instructor

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Speech Pathologist (Virtual, Hybrid, or In-Person)

• United Way of West Central Minnesota - Growmobile Staff

• West Central Sanitation - Entry Lube Technician, Cart/Container Delivery - CDL Trainee

• Willmar Electric - Electrical Drafter

Tuesday, April 29th at 4:30pm - Business After Hours at New London Real Estate

Tuesday, April 29th at 6:00pm - Ambassador Social at Max's on the Green

Thursday, May 1st at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

Friday, May 2nd at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at MinnWest Technology Campus

Friday, May 2nd at 12:00pm - Public Policy Meeting at Heritage Bank

Tuesday, May 6th at 12:00pm - Fifth Grade Ag Tours at Louriston Dairy

Business After Hours at New London Real Estate

Tuesday, April 29th

Business After Hours at Quist Wealth Management

Tuesday, May 20th

Leadership Perspectives Graduation at Willmar Conference Center

Thursday, May 29th

Aggie Open at Little Crow

Monday, June 16th

Registration is open for Advocate - Chairman's Circle Members

Special Event at Zorbaz

Saturday, July 26th

Registration opening soon!

Golf Classic at Eagle Creek

Monday, August 18th

Registration is open for Advocate - Chairman's Circle Members